The first Candine apples of the season are ready for packing, according to Blue Whale’s Mehdi Benaissia, who says the variety is perfect for the Asian market
The first containers of Candine are expected to be loaded in the coming days for Blue Whale’s markets in Asia and the Middle East.
“We are pleased to announce that Candine is ready to be packed,” said the company’s Mehdi Benaissia. “It’s a perfect variety for the Asian market, with a good colour, a very nice sweet taste, and a good shelf life. We are developing it all over Asia, in China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore and Thailand. We always try to spread ourselves so we are not dependent on one market.”
Candine is an apple with “definite international potential”, according to communications manager Anouck Morin. “The variety appeals particularly to a young target group looking for a crunchy, sweet and refreshing apple,” she said. “The variety benefits from a strong marketing plan to accompany our customers right to the point of sale.”
Candine arrives on a market characterised by low prices, despite the low volumes forecast from Europe this campaign. “People are selling at low prices for no reason,” said Benaissia. “We have a low apple crop in Europe, with Poland affected by frost and hail, but people are panicking, maybe because of rising costs and inflation.”
Nevertheless, club varieties continue to do well in Asia and also in the Middle East, according to Benaissia, although most shipping lines are still being forced to circumvent the Cape of Good Hope due to security issues in the Red Sea.
“This is creating some logistical challenges, but we are ready for this situation now,” said Benaissia. “When it started last year it was a nightmare, with many vessels delayed, and containers then arriving all together. Now we are prepared. For the growers that have volumes, this should be a good season. Unfortunately, for the ones affected by climate issues, it could be a disaster.”
